Take a well-earned break in our highly affordable yet comfortable self-catering chalet in the unique mountain village of Clarens in the eastern Free State.
Situated within the secure and private Larola Chalets complex, Chalet Thabela is just 2km from a wide range of galleries, restaurants and curio shops in the town centre.
The chalet offers fully equipped and furnished self-catering accommodation for one or two people (double bed). Through the rear glas sliding door is a small patio with braai (BBQ) facility and views of Mount Horeb.
Known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate, Clarens is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa, justly deserving the title Jewel of the Free State.
With exceptional golf courses, some of the best trout fishing waters in South Africa, and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park on your doorstep, Clarens has something to offer everyone seeking spectacular views, good food, fine art, and a wide range of outdoor leisure and sports activities.
Chalet Facilities include:
Double bed.
Kitchenette with fridge, stove, microwave oven, kettle, toaster, and a range of cooking utensils.
Flat screen TV with satellite dish and decoder for basic channels (bring your own smart card and decoder if you prefer).
Dining area with dining table and chairs. Crockery and cutlery for two.
En-suite bathroom with shower over bath, toilet and basin.
Patio doors onto small enclosed patio (paved and grass) with braai stand and garden furniture.
Hairdryer, iron and ironing board.
For summer use their is a fan.
For winter use there are two room heaters, an electric blanket and two hot water bottles.
Your own undercover parking in a shared car park in front of the chalet.
Security guards at the two entrances to the complex during the hours of darkness.
Wheelchair access is possible with help, but not great (sorry).
The chalet price includes all electricity and hot water.
The town is renowned for its many art and craft shops and galleries which offer the visitor a wide range of curios and original artwork. Another feature which adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the village is the many sandstone buildings. The magnificent SANParks Golden Gate Highlands National Park is just 22km to the east of Clarens, an area that attracts many visitors throughout the year.
Arts, crafts, galleries & shops
Walk around President Square and visit the many shops and galleries offering pottery, leather work, ironwork, candles, African art & upholstery
Weaver Nest Gallery - Clarens scenery in pastels and oils
The Enslin Vorster Studio - Landscape art & pottery
Rooikat Gallery - Handmade knives & pottery
Visit The Barbet, for Authentic local craft, Art Gallery, coffee shop and weekend braai. Horse rides for the children.
Visit the country store and the Post House
Buy traditional blankets at Di Mezza & De Jager, on Sias Oosthuizen street
Places and activities of Interest
Titanic Rock - overlooking the entrance to Clarens.
Clarens Museum - at the information centre on President Square.
The Ash River Outfall is one of the Highlands Water Scheme3s view points on the Bethlehem road about 7km from Clarens.
Mushroom Rock on Clifton Farm on the Fouriesburg road about 3km from Clarens.
Surrender Hill is an historic Anglo-Boer War site on the Fouriesburg road about 10km from Clarens.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park provides ample opportunity for walking, bird watching, and fantastic scenery 3 about 22km east of Clarens.
Bushmen paintings on Schaapplaats farm and in Golden Gate.
Sports & Leisure
Ambling and hiking
Golfing
Horse riding
Fly fishing
River rafting
Hang gliding
Birding (it is not unusual to have vultures circling above your patio!)
(Ask at the Mountain Odyssey Information Centre on Main Street for further details and bookings)
